Mining machine



Dec. 29,- 1936. J. SJ'BELTZ. ET AL MINING MACHINE Filed March V31, 1934-7 Sheets-Sheet l I h w w d c T EBB/WY A Q mm M E M h m M v M MNOOWIUL,

Dec. 29, 1936. J. 5. BEL'ILZ El AL MINING MACHINE Filed March 51, 1954 7Sheets-Sheet 2 /NVENTO//?S.' John 5 Be/fj AND Lew/ 3 E M/fcbe/L ATT'X iBELT: L 2.06619?) MINING MACHINE Filed March 31, 1934 7 $heetsSheet 3 NVENTORS: John 6/13 nun l Lew/s EM/f b I BY afmmnw VA I AT-FY Dec. 29',1936. J. 5. BELTZ ET AL MINING MACHINE Filed March 51, 1934 7Sheets-Sheet 5 *3 Lew/3 E. M/fche/A //v VE/Y TORS Jo/5h 5. Be/

AND

A TT'Y J. S. BELTZ ET AL MINING MACHINE Filed March 31, 1934 7Sheets-Sheet 6 Z 5 m3 .9 0 E J 32 HP 5;

Lewis E M/fc/vefl,

ATT'Y Dec. 29, 1936. J. s. BELTZ ET AL MINING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 7Filed March 31, 1934 //v VENTOFrS. I Jo/7n 5. Be/

*3 AND Lew/s E. MI'fche/L ATT'X Patented Dec. 29, 1936 UNITED STATESPATENT OFFICE MINING MACHINE Application March 31,

27 Claims.

The present invention relates to mining machines of the type adapted tothe mining of coal although it should be understood that it may have ageneral application, and one of the objects of the invention is toprovide a mining machine equipped with an elongated cutter-bar which ismounted in heads adapted to be quickly rotated for adjustment todifierent intersecting planes.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved and efiicientadjusting mechanism for effecting movement of the cutter head to variousintersecting planes and the locking thereof in adjusted position.

A further object of the invention is the provision of improved andefficient power transmitting mechanism for effecting turning of thecutter head of the kerf cutting mining machine to enable the kerf-cutterto out either in horizontal planes or in upright planes.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an adjustablepivoted cutter bar in a mining machine providing means for adjusting theelevation and inclination of the cutter head so that such adjustmentsmay be used for effecting feeding movements to cut a parallel ribbedkerf in an upright plane.

More particularly, the object of the invention is to provide in aunitary structure comprising an elongated pivoted cutter bar mechanismfor adjusting the elevation and inclination of the cutter head and meansfor turning the cutter head to position the cutter bar in horizontal orvertical planes and providing mechanism for effecting swinging feedingmovement of the cutter bar when in a horizontal plane, said mechanismfor adjusting the elevation and inclination being relied on to effectdownward feeding movement when the cutter bar is in a vertical plane.

Other objects of the invention will appear hereinafter, the novelfeatures and combinations being set forth in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings,

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the track mounted mining machine embodying thepresent invention;

Fig. 2 is an elevational View of the track mounted mining machine shownin Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1, lookingin the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional View taken on the line 44 of Fig. 5,looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged plan view of the right hand portion of thestructure shown in Fig. 1,

1934, Serial No. 718,452

parts being broken away to show certain details of the turnover headmechanism;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 5, looking inthe direction of the arrows;

Fig. '7 is a sectional view taken on the line 'l-l of Fig. 5, looking inthe direction of the arrows;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged sectional elevation taken on the line 8--8 of Fig.1, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged sectional elevation taken on the line 9--9 of Fig.10, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic plan view illustrative of the arrangement ofparts mounted on the turntable shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged sectional elevation of the mechanism for rotatingthe turntable at a feeding speed to effect feeding of the kerf-cutterwhen in a horizontal plane;

Fig. 12 is. an enlarged sectional elevation of the pawl and ratchetmechanism for effecting reversal of the swinging feeding movement of theturntable and the kerf cutting mechanism mounted thereon;

Fig. 13 is an elevational View showing brake mechanism embodied in theconstruction shown in Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a sectional elevation of a portion of the structure shown inFig. 12;

Fig. 15 is a sectional elevation taken on the line I5l5 of Fig. 12,looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 16 is a bottom plan view of a portion of 345 the frame structureshown in Fig. 1 and the mechanism mounted thereon for securingadjustment in elevation and inclination of the turntable;

Fig. 17 is an enlarged sectional elevation of one of the threeadjustable supporting screw posts for the turntable;

Fig. 18 is an enlarged elevational View of the clutch mechanism locatedat the lower end of each of the .adustable screw posts; and

Figs. 19, 20, and 21 are diagrammatic views illustrating the shearingfeeding movements of the machine to effect the cutting of parallelribbed kerfs in vertical plane.

Referring to Figs. l and 2, it will be seen that the supporting frame 22is mounted on wheels 23, 23 which are adapted to travel on the minetrack 24. Mounted on the frame 22 is a. supporting ring 25 around whichis distributed a. series of supporting rollers 26, 26.

The ring 25 is mounted for adjustment in elevation and inclination onthree upright standards or screw posts 21, 21 at the front end of theframe movements illustrated in Figs. 19 to 21, inclusive,

an enlarged sectional elevation of one of such adjustable screw posts isshown in Fig. 17.

Mounted on the ring so as to partake of the adjustments thereof inelevation and inclination is a turntable 28. As shown in Fig. 3 aperipheral flange 29 supports the turntable 28 on the rollers 26. Bymeans of an electric motor 38 connected to mechanism as illustrated inFigs. 8 to 15 inclusive, the turntable 28 may be rotated relatively tothe supporting ring 25 and about an upright axis at the center thereof.

On the rear portion of the frame 22 are mounted an additional motor 3|and power transmission mechanism 32 for effecting transportation of themachine along the mine track 24 from place to place in the mine. Thepower transmission mechanism 32 is also connected to a cable reel 33 onwhich is wound a cable 34 extending to the source of power for the twoelectric motors 38 and 3| which are independently operated andcontrolled.

Fixed rigidly to the turntable 28 and extending radially therefrom is asupporting arm 35 to which is connected a bracket 36, carrying thecutter head 31 to which is secured the elongated cutter bar 38 having anendless chain cutter 39 guided around the periphery thereof. A drivingsprocket 48 meshes with the cutter chain and is secured by keys 4| tothe lower end of the torque shaft 42 as shown in Fig. 3. On the upperend of the shaft 42 is journaled abevel gear 43. A clutch 44 is mountedon the shaft 42 for controlling the operation of the sprocket 48, the

clutch being operated in turn by a shifter 45 and either of the levers46 shown in Fig. 5. A plate 41 (Fig. 3) comprising a split ring issecured by capscrews 48 to the cutter bar 38 serves as a guide for thechain 38 during rotation of the sprocket 40.

A guide plate 49 having the shape of a segment of the cylinder may besecured to the hub portion 58 of the cutter bar 38 as shown in Fig. 3.

The hub 50 of the cutter bar is provided with a cylindrical extension 5|which fits into a cylindrical bearing 52 of the cutter head 31. Thecylindrical extension 5| and the bearing 52 are concentric with theshaft 42. Also concentric with the shaft 42 is anannular recess 53 onthe hub 58 in position to fit the annular flange 54 extending from thecutter head 31. Bymeans of cap screws 55, a ring 56 is secured totheperiphery of thehub 58 to form an annular groove in which the flange 54fits. The split ring 56 therefore acts to retain the cutter bar 38 andits hub 50 in engagement with the cutter head 31 whilepermitting arcuateadjustment of the cutter bar 38.

Extending forwardly from the'cutter head 31 is a V-shaped bracket 51'having an opening therethrough for receiving the locking pin 58. Thelatter may extend into any one of aplurality of openings or recesses 59,59 in the bracket 68 which is secured to the rear end of the cutter bar38 as shown in Figs. 3 and 5. After being inserted into one of theopenings or recesses 59v the locking pin 58 may be kept from droppingout by means of a cotter pin 6| as shown in Fig. 3. I

As shown in Fig. 3 the armature shaft 62 which projects from the motorin Fig. 1 has secured thereto a bevel pinion 63 which meshes with ahorizontal bevel gear 64 secured to the vertical shaft 65. The upper endof shaft 65 is provided with a bevel gear 66 which meshes with the bevelgear 61 mounted on the rear end of the shaft 68, the forward end of theshaft carrying the bevel gear 69 which meshes with the bevel gear 43 onthe shaft 42. When the motor 38 is operated the shaft 68 is rotated andwhen one of the levers 46 is actuated to throw in the clutch 44 powerwill be transmitted from the shaft 68 to the shaft 42 to rotate thesprocket 48 and thereby drive the endless chain cutter 39 about theperiphery of the cutter bar 38.

The details of the turnover head mechanism for rotarily adjusting theplane of the cutter bar on the horizontal axis of the shaft 68 areillustrated in Figs. 3 to 7 inclusive. The cutter head mechanismincluding the cutter head 31, the hub 50, the shaft 42 and the partsdriven thereby, is enclosed in a housing 18 which is provided at itsrear end with a tubular extension or neck supported for rotation on thebearing comprising the bushing 12. At the rear end of the neck 1|, ap-

paratus is provided for rotarily adjusting the cutter bar from arelatively low horizontal plane to a relatively high horizontal planeand also to vertical or shearing planes on opposite sides of a.

vertical plane extending through the shaft 68. When the cutter bar is inits high horizontal plane such plane extends above all other parts ofthe machine while the kerf cutter is in a top cutting position. Byreferring to Fig. 5, it will be seen that there is keyed to thehub 13 ofthe bevel gear 68, a spur gear 14 which meshes with a spur gear 15 keyedto the front end of a shaft 16' journaled in the cylindrical bearing 11which projects rearwardly from the housing 18. At the rear end of theshaft 16 is a pinion 18 (Fig. 6) which meshes with an internal orannular gear 19 integral with the drum 80. The drum 88 as shown in Fig.3 is journaled on the rotary neck 1| which extends rearwardly from thehousing 1n. A ring plate 8| fits against an annular shoulder of the neck1| and at its periphery fits an annular recess in the peripheral portionof the drum SU to complete the enclosure of the gears 18 and 18. It willthus be seen that when the motor 38 drives the horizontal shaft 68,power is transmitted through the spurvgears 14, 15 to the a theelongated chain kerf cutter, on the horizontal axis of the shaft 68,friction mechanism in the form of a brake is provided to produce a.friction clutch between the gear 19 and the neck 1|. This brakemechanism is illustrated in Fig. 6 and comprises operating mechanismmounted on the bracket 82 which is rigidly connected to the stationaryretaining plate 83, the latter being detachably secured by means of thebolts 84 to the flange 85 integral with the radial support 36 andextending in a plane at right angles to the shaft 68.

The brake mechanism illustrated in Fig. 6 comprises a pair of shoes orbrake bands 86, 86

which are adjustably connected at their ends remote from the bracket 82as illustrated at 81. The brake shoes may be applied to the drum 89 bylifting the lever 88 which is connected by the link 89 to the bracket 99at 9I. It should be understood that the right hand end of the lowersection of the brake as viewed in Fig. 6 is rigidly secured tothebracket 99. It will thus be seen, that when the lever 88 is moved up thebrake shoes 86, 86 are brought into closer contact with the drum 99 soas to apply the brake, and when the lever 88 is released thespring 92will effect automatic release of the brake mechanism.

As shown in Fig. 3 an annular groove 93 at the rear portion of the neckII is adapted to receive a split retaining ring 94. At the rear end ofthe neck I! is located an annular collar 95 which is keyed to the neck Hby a plurality of keys as shown at 95, 95 in Fig. 4. The collar 95 isbolted to the. retaining ring 94 by means of the bolts 91, 91.Therefore, the collar 95 is detachably connected to the rear end of theneck II.

As above pointed out, the ring 83 is secured to the flange by means ofthe bolts 84 as shown in Figs. 3, 5, and 6, the retaining plate 83 beingcylindrical in shape to afford a housing for the annular collar 95. Aninwardly extending flange 98 on the housing 83 serves to retain the neckH against outward movement off the bearing I2. That is to say, since thering 94 fits in the groove 93 of the neck 'II and the ring 94 is securedto the annular collar 95, the flange 98 locks the neck TI on the bearingI2.

In order to lock the cutter bar 38 for feeding movement in any one of aplurality of intersecting planes of operation, latch mechanism isprovided in connection with the peripheral portion of the annular collar95. As shown in Fig. 7 eight notches 99, 99 are located in the peripheryof the collar 95. As shown in Fig. 4 the retaining plate 83 is providedwith an outwardly extending bracket I99. On this bracket is pivotallymounted a plate I9I of polygonal or other suitable configuration, whichis journaled to the pivotal axis I92. By means of the handle I93 on theplate I9l the latter may be moved from its full line position to itsdotted line position shown in Fig. 4.

As shown in Fig. '7 the bracket I99 is provided with a guideway I94 forthe spring pressed latch I95 which is adapted to fit into any of thenotches 99 to lock the collar 95 in adjusted position and therefore lockthe cutter bar 38 in its selected plane of operation.

The latch I95 is operatively connected by means of the link I96 to theactuating plate I9I. A pin I91 pivotally connects one end of the linkI99 to the latch I95 and a pin I98 connects the other end of the linkI95 to the operating plate I91. Inside of the bracket I59 is a retainingseat I99 for a spring I I9 which extends into a cylindrical recess inthe rear end of the latch I05. When the operating plate I9! is movedfrom its full line position to its dotted line position as shown in Fig.4 the latch I95 is released from its notch 99 against the action of thespring H9, and when the plate I9I is released the spring H9 urges thelatch I95 against the peripheral surface of the collar 95 in readinessto automatically snap into the next notch 99.

When the latch I95 is released and the brake applied to effect rotaryadjustment of the cutter head 31 on the horizontal axis of the shaft 69,the collar 95 as viewed in Fig. 7 should rotate in an anti-clockwisedirection so that when the handle I93 is released the spring II9 willact to urge the inner end of the latch I95 along the cut away portionsIII, thereby permitting the faces N2 of the notches 99 to act asabutments or limit stops.

Therefore, as soon as the neck starts to rotate, the handle I93 of thelatch mechanism may be released and the brake held applied with theassurance that the next limit stop II2 will definitely and accuratelystop the rotation of the neck at exactly the pre-selected positioncorresponding to the next notch 99, whereupon the latch willautomatically snap into the notch 99 and prevent further rotation of theneck I I. If the brake is held applied after the latch I95 reaches theabutment M2, the drum 99 will slip relatively to the brake shoes. Inother words, the brake mechanism will act in the nature of a frictionclutch to permit slipping when the rotation of the neck is definitelystopped at a pro-selected position.

In Fig. 7 each notch 99 is spaced 45 from the next adjacent notch. Ifthe cutter bar is in a horizontal plane when the parts are in theposition shown in Fig. 7 rotation of the collar 95 so that the latchwill be in the next adjacent notch, the cutter bar will occupy aslanting plane at 45 to vertical and horizontal planes extending throughthe axis of the shaft 58. By proper regulation of the brake mechanismand the timing of the manual release of the latch M5 the cutter bar maybe adjusted into slanting planes, vertical planes, horizontal planes andinto relatively low and relatively high horizontal planes. If the cutterbar is in a horizontal plane when the parts are in the position shown inFig. '7, rotation of the collar 95 through an angle of will locate thecutter bar in a vertical plane. When the collar is rotated through anangle of the cutter bar will be inverted. For instance, if the cutterbar is in a relatively low horizontal plane it may be inverted so as tooccupy a relatively high horizontal plane, or if the cutter bar is in ashearing position at one side of the machine it may be inverted tooccupy a shearing position at the other side of the machine. Of course,when the cutter bar reaches its selected position it is held thereby thelatch mechanism against movement in either direction on the axis of theshaft 68. Furthermore, the pin 58 looks the cutter bar against pivotalmovement relatively to the cutter head 9? during feeding movement of thekerf-cutter. Consequently when the cutter bar has once been adjusted toits selected position it is held in such adjusted position rigidlyconnected to the turntable 28 to move bodily therewith.

It should be particularly noted that the turnover movement on the axisof the shaft 99 from one position to another as permitted by theconstruction shown in Figs. 4 and '7, is effected at a relatively rapidrate of speed. As above explained, proper timing of the manipulation ofthe latch I95 by withdrawing the same from its notch and releasing thehandle 99 while the brake shoes 89 are applied to the drum 85, willenable the operator to effect a rapid, continuous, rotary movement ofthe cutter bar through an angle of 45 or any multiple thereof. That isto say, he may effect rotation of the cutter bar from one position toanother without stopping at each notch always rotate therewith.

During such rotaryadjustment of the cutter bar on the axis of the shaft68 the clutch 46 may be in released position. When the clutch 44connects the shaft 68 to the sprocket 40 the chain cutter is'alwaysdriven in the same direction relative to the cutter bar, and thereforeit is desirable to control the motor to always rotate in the samedirection, but this does not interfere with the desired rotaryadjustments of the cutter head on the axis of the shaft 68 because eachof such rotary adjustments is made in an anticlock- I wise direction asviewed in Fig. '7.

As shown in Fig. 3, the radial support 36 is provided with cups orrecesses I I3 and I I4 which always face upwardly and serve to containlubricant for passage through the holes II5, I I6 and Ill, IIB. Thebottom of the recess H3 is provided with an opening II5 which registerswith an opening H6 in the bushing II9 for supplying lubricant to theshaft 68. Lubricant from the recess II4 passes along the groove I20 tothe bearing bushings 12, I2I, and I22.

It will also be seen that when the sections I23 and I24 of the clutch 44are brought into engagement by actuation of either lever 46 (Fig. 5) thesprocket 40 of the kerf cutter will be rotated. Suitable. antifrictionbearings are provided for the shaft 33 at I25 and I26. A lubricant sealmay be provided at I21 to prevent escape of lubricant from the bearingI26.

The upper bearing I25 may be lubricated after removing the screw plugI28. The cover I29 may be detachably secured to the housing 10 by meansofthe cap screws I30. By removing the cover I29 the parts shown in Fig.3 in the housing 10 are rendered accessible for inspection or repairs.

In operation the chain kerf-cutter may out not only horizontal kerfsthroughout a considerable range of elevations, but also vertical kerfsin spaced apart parallel planes. While the provision of eight notches 99as shown in Fig. 7 affords adjustment of the kerf-cutter into slantingplanes extending at 45 to the vertical or horizontal, the kerf-cuttercan not be fed transversely of itself when in such slanting plane.However, when the kerf-cutter is in slanting plane it may be sumped intothe coal vein by moving the whole machine along the mine track at afeeding speed. For instance, if the shaft 68 is located in a positionparallel to the mine track and the cutter bar' 38 is adjusted to aposition parallel tothe axis of the shaft 68, traction feed of thewholemachine along the mine track may be relied on to cut a. kerf either in ahorizontal plane or in a vertical plane or in a slanting plane, havingthe dimensions of the effective length of the kerf' cutter. .In otherwords, a kerf or incision may be cut into the'face of the mine vein inany one of a plurality of intersecting planes including.

horizontal, vertical and slanting planes spaced. from the axis of theshaft 68 while the latter is: parallel to the mine track.

Inasmuch as those notches 99 which are most frequently used for holdingthe kerf cutter in. horizontal and vertical planes will receive thegreatest wear it is desirable to space the capscrews 91, 45 apart sothat the collar may be detached from the retaining ring 94 andreassembled 45 from its worn position, thereby great-- 1y prolonging thelife of the notched collar 95.. When such readjustment of the collar 95is maderelative to the retaining ring 94 the latter may remainpermanently locked to the neck 1I so as to It should be .understood thatwhenever the notched collar 95 is se-- cured to" the retaining ring 94it is rigidly con-' nected to the neck 1I toalways pivotally rotatetherewith. Consequently, when the latch I05 is inone of the notches .99the cutter bar will be held rigidly against rotation on the axis of theshaft 68 in either direction. j

'The mechanism for adjusting the elevation and inclinationof theturntable 28 and the cutter bar 38 'may be substantially the same asthat shown in the Levin patents Reissue No. 17,603 granted February 25,1930 for an improvement in mining machines; No. 1,353,054 grantedSeptember 14, 1920 for an improvement in mining machines; and No.1,904,489, granted April 18, 1933 for an improvement in coal miningapparatus. However, in order to illustrate more clearly the adaptationof such structure to the shearing features illustrated in Figs. 19 to'21 inclusive, which features are embodied in the'turnover headmechanism shown in Figs. 3 to 7 inclusive, reference will be made toFigs. 8 to 18, inclusive, before explaining the diagrammaticillustrations in Figs. 19 to 21, inclusive. The mechanism for rotatingthe turntable 28 is substantially the same as that disclosed and claimedin the application of Nils D.

Levin, Serial No. 656,697, filed February 14, 1933.

As shown in Fig. 8 an annular rack I3I is se-. cured to the inner edgeof the ring 25. Meshing. with the annular gear I3I is a pinion I32 atthe 'lower'end of a vertical shaft I33 mounted in the bearing I34 on theturntable 28. Keyed to the upper end of the shaft I33 is a spur gear I35which meshes witha spur gear I 36. By means of the friction disc clutchI31 operated by the sprocket I38 the gear I36 may be connected throughthe rotating element I39 to the vertical shaft I40. To the lower end ofthe shaft I40 is keyed a worm gear I4I which meshes with a worm I42arranged to be driven in one direction or the other by means of the pawland ratchet mechanism shownin Figs- 11 to 14, inclusive.

As shown in Fig. 9 a manual wheel I43 is" mounted on a shaft I44 on theopposite end of which is mounted a bevel gear I45 meshing with a bevelgear I46 mounted for rotation on a vertical :axis. A sprocket I41 isconnected to the gear I46 to rotate therewith. A sprocket chain I48 conheats the sprocket I41 to the sprocket I38. Therefore by rotating thewheel I43 in one di- .rection or the other the friction clutch I31 maybe applied or released to effect power transmitting connection betweenthe worm I42 and the annular rack I3I. 7

As shown in Fig. 11, the lower end ofthe shaft 65 is provided with aneccentric cam I49 on the periphery of which is mounted the eccentricstrap I50 to which is pivoted at I5I the reciprocating :arm I52. Pivotedat I53 to the upper end of the arm I52 is a bifurcated support I54carrying the bearing pin I55 as shown in Figs. 11 and 12.

Journaled on the pin I55 and on the shaft I56 are supporting members I51and I58, and between these members on the pin I55 are reversely arrangedpawls I59 and I60. Reversely arranged ratchets I 6| and I62 are keyed tothe shaft I56 to rotate with the latter. A pawl setting device I63 isprovided with openings I64 and I65 in position to. permit pawl I66 orpawl I61 to engage for an Improvement in mining machines. will thus beseen that the cutter bar may be adfits into one of the recesses I13 tohold the pawl setting device I63 in adjusted position.

At the right hand end of the shaft I56 as shown in Fig. 12 is secured abrake wheel I14 with which is associated a brake band I'I5, the latterbeing held yieldingly applied to the brake wheel I'M by means of thesprings H6, H6. During swinging feeding movement in the mine veinvibrations may cause reversal of the worm I42, while the pawl IE6 or thepawl I6? is moved from one notch to the next notch. To overcome thistendency of the worm I 42 to partially reverse its rotation, the brakemechanism shown at the right hand end of the shaft I56 as viewed in Fig.12 is relied on to hold the worm I 42 in a position to which it has beenmoved by the pawl and ratchet mechanism.

To facilitate assembly or removal of the pawl and ratchet mechanism forreplacement of parts,

the bracket I'I'I for supporting the shaft I56 may be removably securedby means of cap screws "8 to the turntable 20. The bracket II'I may fitinto the trough I79 so as to hold in place the sections I80, I80 of thebearing for the right hand portion of the shaft I56.

Spaced at intervals around the peripheral portion of the turntable 28 onthe underside thereof are brackets I8I (Fig. 9) in which are mountedfixed vertical bearings I82 for rollers 183 within I the rings I86 whichare adapted to roll around the inner surface of the ring 25. Lateralthrust on the turntable during swinging feeding movement of the kerfcutter will therefore be taken by the roller bearings l82, I83, I84 torelieve the strain between the pinion I 32 and the annular rack I3I. Itwill thus be seen that during swinging feeding movement of the kerfcutter the cutter bar 38 is rigidly connected in adjusted position tothe turntable 28 and the latter will be guided concentrically of thestationary ring 2! by means of the roller bearings one of which is shownin Fig. 9, while the power is being transmitted very efficiently fromthe motor 30 to the pinion I32 to cause the same to travel along thestationary annular rack I3I.

The worm gearing MI, I42 shown in Fig. 8 is self-locking, and thereforewhen the clutch I3! is applied the cutter bar 38 may be held locked inan adjusted position at an acute angle to the mine track. During drivingof the chain cutter by means of the motor 30 and the power transmissionmechanism between this motor and the chain cutter the pawl setting drumI53 (Fig. 14)

may be located in neutral position to hold both of the ratchet pawls Iand lEI out of engagement with their respective ratchets.

While the cutter bar occupies a horizontal plane which may be located atan acute angle relative to the mine track, the turntable may be lockedagainst rotary movement by means of the latch mechanism at I85associated with the periphery of the turntable 28 as shown in Fig. 1 andmore clearly illustrated in the Levin Reissue Patent No. 17,603, grantedFebruary 20, 1930, It

position relative to the radial supports 30 by means of the pin 58, andthe turntable is held ;in adjusted position by the latch mechanism I85.

However, the latch mechanism I85 may be omitted and the pawl liftingdrum I28 set at neutral as shown in Fig. 14, so that when the clutch I03of Fig. 8 is applied, the Worm gearing I01, I08 will lock the cutter baragainst turning on the axis of the turntable.

The kerf-cutter when in a horizontal plane may be sumped into the coalface extending across the space in advance of the mine track, bytraction feed which is effected by a motor 3| operating truck propellingmechanism through the reduction gearing located at 24. Such reductiongearing for effecting movement of the machine along the mine track at afeeding speed may be such as that illustrated in the Levin Patent No.1,353,054, granted September 14, 1920 for an Improvement in miningmachines.

After the sumping out has been completed while the kerf cutter is in ahorizontal plane, and arcuate feeding movement effected across theworking face, the traction feeding mechanism may again be operated toeffect a rectilinear withdrawal movement parallel tothe mine track,thereby completing the cutting of a parallel ribbed kerf in a horizontalplane. ribbed kerfs may be cut in relatively narrow entries or inrelatively wide entries, the depth of each out being equal to the fulleffective length of the cutter bar.

When arcuate feeding movement is effected across the working face inadvance of the mine track, it is desirable that the cutter bits on theadvance side of the cutter bar shall continuously emerge from the coalface so as to sweep the cuttings therefrom. It is also desirable toreduce the overall height of the mining machine shown in Fig. 2 so thatit may operate in relatively low mine chambers or rooms and so that itmay be transported along mine entries having low roofs.

By reason of the elevating screw mechanism.

shown in Fig. 1'7 for the three screw posts distributed as shown at 21,21, 21' in Fig. 1, the same machine may also be used to cut horizontalkerfs at various elevations while the cutter bar is located in ahorizontal plane below a horizontal plane extending through the shaft 68of Fig. 3. By use of the turnover mechanism shown in Figs. 3 to '7inclusive the kerf cutter may be located in relatively high horizontalplanes above all other parts of the machine. inverted however, thearcuate feeding of the cutter bar should be reversed so that the cutterbits will again be on the advance side of the cutter bar in position toemerge from the kerf and sweep the cuttings therefrom. For instance, ifthe arcuate feeding as viewed in Fig. 1 is anti-clockwise when thecutter bar is in its lower position shown in Fig. 2, the arcuate feedshould be clockwise after the cutter bar has been inverted so as tooccupy a top cutting horizontal position. It will thus be seen thatwhether the cutter bar is fed arcuately in a clockwise direction in oneplane or fed in an anti-clockwise direction in another plane, the cutterchain will always be kept moving in the same direction so as to emergefrom the coal face on the advance side of the cutter bar to effectsweeping of the cuttings from the coal face.

The motor 30 may be continuously operated in the same direction sincethe cutter chain always travels in the same direction, the reversal ofthe arcuate feed of the kerf cutter being effected by the reversefeeding mechanism illustrated in Figs. 11,12, and 14.

Each of the screw posts located at 21, 21, 21' in Fig. 1 includes theconstruction shown in detail in In this manner parallel When the cutterbar is being held against rotation at I88. A bracket I89 is secured tothe outer face of the ring 25 for supporting the upper screw element I81and the guide mechanism I90, there being suflicient looseness of fit atI9I to permit inclination of the turntable to secure the steps in theoperation during shearing as illustrated in Figs. 19, 20, and 21.

. Fig. 16 is a bottom plan view to show the connection of the drivingsprocket chain I92 to the three separate compound screw elevatingdevices shown in Fig. 1'7. The chain I92 is driven from the motor 3|through the reduction gearing 32. Associated with the bottom of eachcompound screw elevating device is a clutch I93 which when thrown inwill rotate the screw element I86 throughthe fixed nut I94 so as tosimultaneously elevate orlower the screw elements I88 and I81. Theconstruction shown in Figs. 16, 17 and 18 is the same as that shown inthe Levin Patent No. 1,904,489, granted April 18, 1933 for anImprovement in coal mining apparatus.

Referring now to Figs. 19, 20, and 21, it will be seen that bymanipulating the clutches at the lower ends ,of the screw posts 21, 21and 21' the turntable 28 may be tilted to various positions. By keepingthe clutch associated with the post 21' released and throwing in theclutches associated with thetwo front posts, the forward end of theturntable 28 may be elevated to a relatively high position and thecutter bar locked in vupwardly extending position by means of the pin58. That is to say, while the cutter bar is in a. horizontal plane itmay be easily swung on the shaft 42 as a pivot while the pin 58 isreleased so that the pin may be inserted in the last hole 59. (Fig. 5.)Then by operating the brake mechanism shown in Fig. 6 and controllingthe latch -I05 the cutter bar may be rapidly turned through an angle of90 to a shearing position withthe cutter bits arranged to travel at itsloweredge from the coal face. While the cutter bar is held rigidly inits adjusted position in a vertical plane with its upper outer endadjacent at the roof of the mine room a sumping feeding movement may beeffected by moving the whole machine along the mine track at a feedingspeed until the cutter bar reaches the position shown at I 95 in Fig.19.. Now upon operating the motor 3| to drive the. chain I92 while theclutches associated withthe screw posts 21, 21 are applied the compoundelevating screw mechanism shown in Fig. 17 may be positively operated tomove the kerf cutter downwardly in the direction of the ment with theupper surface of the turntable.

The motor 3I may then be operated to cause the compound screw mechanismshown in Fig. 17 to positively pull down the kerf cutter from itsposition shown at I98 to its position shown at 199 in Fig. 20, thefeeding movement being in the direction of the arrow 200.

Fig. 21 illustrates the final steps in the cutting of a parallelribbedkerf in a vertical plane.

I The front end of the turntable is again in ele vated position in Fig.21 as shown in full lines, and the kerf cutter is locked by means of thepin 5 58 in the position shown by the dotted lines 20I before thedownward feeding movement in the direction of the arrow 202 is begun.Such downward feeding movement to the position illustrated in the dottedlines 203 is effected not only by 10 lowering the front screw posts butalso by elevating the rear screw post at 21 until the turntable occupiesthe dotted line position shown in Fig. 21. When the kerf-cutter occupiesthe position shown by the dotted lines 203, reverse trac- 15 tion feedof the entire machine is relied on to effect a withdrawal cuttingmovement in the direction of the arrow 204, thereby completing thecutting of the parallel ribbed kerf which started with the rectilinearsumping feeding movement' at the roof as shown in Fig. 1, and wascontinued by downward feeding movements by means of the compound screwelevating mechanism shown in Fig. 17.

While in Figs. 19, 20, and 21 shearing is illus- 25 trated as beingcarried on from a straight section of mine track it'should be understoodthat by reason of the universal tilting of the turntable and the turningover of the head on the axis of the shaft 68, and releasing the clutchof Fig.8 30 while the feed of Fig. 14 is in neutral to permit theturntable to float, the kerf-cutter may be operated efiiciently fromcurved sections of mine track to shear in the rib, for instance inmining operations carried on for the cutting of room' necks.

Obviously those skilled in the art may make various changes in thedetails and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit andscope of the inventionas defined by the claims hereto appended, and wetherefore wish not to be restricted to the precise construction hereindisclosed.

Having thus described and shown an embodiment of our invention, what wedesire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In mining apparatus, the combination with a portable support, ofkerf-cutting mechanism mounted thereon, means for adjusting theelevation and inclination of said kerf-cuttingmechanism, power operatedmechanism for effecting rotary adjustment of said kerf-cutting mechanismon a horizontal axis into intersecting planes, means for automaticallystopping rotation of said mechanism in planes 45 degrees apart, andmotor operated mechanism for operating said kerfcutting mechanism inadjusted position including feed thereof.

2. In a mining machine, the combination with a wheeled truck movablealong a trackway, of .60 kerf-cutting mechanism mounted thereon andcomprising a plane chain kerf cutter,mechanism -vertical:plane,mechanism comprising a locking element having a plurality of spacednotches in the periphery thereof for holding the cutter bar either in ahorizontal plane or a vertical plane, and means for securing saidnotched locking element in a plurality of adjusted positions so thatwhen in one position one set of notches will be used for holding thecutter bar in the horizontal and vertical planes and when the lockingelement is adjusted in another position another set of notches will beused for holding the cutter bar in the horizontal and vertical planes.

4. A mining machine comprising an elongated cutter bar and the turnoverhead therefor, power operated mechanism for moving the cutter head toposition the cutter bar in a horizontal plane or in a vertical plane,means comprising a locking element having a plurality of notches in theperiphery thereof spaced 45 apart, and means for adjustably securingsaid locking element in two different positions 45 apart.

5. In a track mounted mining machine, the combination with a wheeledframe adapted to move along a mine track, of a supplemental framemounted thereon for adjustment relative thereto in elevation andinclination, a turntable mounted on said supplemental frame,kerf-cutting mechanism comprising an elongated cutter bar pivotallyconnected to a turnover cutter head, means for locking said cutter barat an adjusted angle relative to said cutter head, poweroperated'meansfor rotating said cutter head on an axis extending radially of saidturntable, mechanism for automatically stopping and looking said cutterhead relative to said turntable with the cutter bar in either ahorizontal plane or a vertical plane, means for rotating said turntableto feed said kerf-cutting mechanism while said cutter bar is in ahorizontal plane, a plurality of screw elevating devices connectedbetween said wheeled frame and said supplemental frame, operatorcontrolled power operated mechanism for positively lifting and loweringand tilting the turntable to effect arcuate shearing feeding movementsof the kerf-cutting mechanism while said cutter bar is held in avertical plane, and means for propelling the whole machine along themine track at a feeding speed to effect rectilinear sumping andwithdrawal feeding movements of the kerf-cutting mechanism either whenthe cutter bar is in a horizontal plane or when in a vertical plane.

6. In a mining apparatus, the combination with a portable support, akerf cutting mechanism mounted thereon, power operated mechanism foreffecting rotary adjustment of said kerf cutting mechanism on ahorizontal axis into intersecting planes, means for automaticallystopping rotation of said mechanism in planes 45 degrees apart andmaintaining it locked any position where it is stopped, and motoroperated mechanism for operating said kerf cutting mechanism in adjustedposition.

'7. In a mining apparatus, the combination with a portable support, akerf cutting mechanism mounted thereon, power operated mechanism foreffecting rotary adjustment of said kerf cutting mechanism on ahorizontal axis into intersecting planes, means for automaticallystopping rotation of said mechanism in planes degrees apart andmaintaining it locked any position where it is stopped, and motoroperated mechanism for operating said kerf cutting mechanism in adjustedposition.

8. In a mining apparatus, the combination with a portable support, akerf cutting mechanism mounted thereon, power operated mechanism foreffecting rotary adjustment of said kerf cutting vmechanism on ahorizontal axis into intersecting planes, means for automaticallystopping rotation of said mechanism in planes 45 degrees apart.

9.,In a mining apparatus, the combination with a portable support, akerf cutting mechanism mounted thereon, power operated mechanism foreffecting rotary adjustment of said kerf cutting mechanism on ahorizontal axis, means for automatically stopping rotation of saidmechanism in selected intersecting planes and maintaining it locked inany position where it is stopped, and motor operated mechanism foroperating said kerf cutting mechanism in adjusted position.

10.'In a mining apparatus, the combination with a portable support, akerf cutting mechanism mounted thereon, power operated mechanism foreffecting rotary adjustment of said kerf cutting mechanism on ahorizontal axis, means for automatically stopping rotation of saidmechanism in selected intersecting planes, and motor operated mechanismfor operating said kerf cutting mechanism in adjusted position.

11. In a mining machine, the combination with a body, of a kerf cuttingmechanism including a plane cutter bar and a cutter chain, a cutter barhead pivotally connecting said cutter bar to said body for pivotalmovement about an axis substantially parallel with the plane of saidcutterbar, a motor driven shaft extending from said body along said axisand into said head for driving said cutter chain, a second shaft, saidsecond shaft being carried in said head on an axis parallel with andspaced from the axis of said motor driven shaft, said shafts beinginterconnected, a pinion gear carried by said second shaft, stationarymeans attached to said body for effecting a driving connection betweensaid gear and said body whereby rotation of said second shaft willproduce rotation of said head about its pivotal axis, and means adaptedto stop rotation of said head in predetermined intersecting planes.

12. In a mining machine, the combination with a body, of a kerf cuttingmechanism including a plane cutter bar and a cutter chain, a cutter barhead pivotally connecting said cutter bar to said body for pivotalmovement about an axis substantially parallel with the plane of saidcutter bar, a motor driven shaft extending from said body along saidaxis and into said head for driv ing said cutter chain, a second shaft,said second shaft being carried in said head on an axis parallel withand spaced from the axis of said motor driven shaft, said shafts beinginterconnected, a pinion gear carried by said second shaft, stationarymeans attached to said body for effecting a driving connection betweensaid gear and said body whereby rotation of said second shaft willproduce rotation of said head about its pivotal axis, and means adaptedto stop rotation of said head in planes substantially 90 degrees apart.

13. In a mining machine, the combination with a body, of a kerf cuttingmechanism including a plane cutter bar and a cutter chain, a cutter barhead pivotally connecting said cutter bar to said body'for pivotalmovement about anaxis substantially parallel with the plane of saidcutter bar, .a motor driven shaft extending from said body otal axis,and means adapted to stop rotation of,

said head in planes substantially 45 degrees apart.

14. In a mining machine, the combination with a body, of a kerf cuttingmechanism including a plane cutter bar and a cutter chain, a cutter barhead pivotally connecting said cutter bar to said body for pivotalmovement about an axis substantially parallel with the plane of saidcutter bar, a motor driven shaft extending from said body along saidaxis and into said head for driving said cutter chain, a second shaft,said second shaft being carried in said head on an axis parallel withand spaced from the axis of said motor driven shaft, said shafts beinginterconnected, a pinion gear carried by said second shaft, stationarymeans attached to said body for effecting a driving connection betweensaid gear and said body whereby rotation of said second shaft willproduce rotation of said head about its pivotal axis, and means adaptedto stop rotation of said head in a substantially vertical plane.

15. In a mining machine, the combination with a body, of a kerf cuttingmechanism including a plane cutter bar and a cutter chain, a cutter barhead pivotally connecting said cutter bar to said body for pivotalmovement about an axis substantially parallel with the plane of saidcutter bar, a motor driven shaft extending from said body along saidaxis and into said head for driving said cutter chain, a second shaft,said second shaft being carried in said head on an axis parallel withand spaced from the axis of said motor driven shaft, said shafts beinginterconnected, a pinion gear carried by said second shaft, stationarymeans attached to said body for effecting a driving connection betweensaid gear and said body whereby rotation of said second shaft willproduce rotation of said head about its pivotal axis, and means adaptedto stop rotation of said head in predetermined intersecting planes,

said last named means comprising a notched ring attached to said headfor rotation therewith, a

spring-pressed latch carried by said body and adapted to ride on saidring and snap into a notch when said latch is opposite said notch.

16. In a, mining machine, the combination with a body, of a kerf cuttingmechanism including a plane cutter bar and a cutter chain, a cutter barhead pivotally connecting said cutter bar to said body for pivotalmovement about an axis substantially parallel with the plane of saidcutter bar, a motor driven shaft extending from said body along saidaxis and into said head for driving said cutter chain, a second shaft,said second shaft being carried in said head on an axis parallel withand spaced from the axis of said motor driven shaft, said shafts beinginterconnected, a pinion gear carried by said second shaft, stationarymeans attached to said body for effecting a driving connection betweensaid gear and said body whereby rotation of said second shaft willproduce rotation of said head about its pivotal axis, and means adaptedto stop rotation of said head in predetermined intersectcarried by saidbody adapted to ride on said ring and snap into a notch when said latchis opposite said notch.

17. In a mining machine, the combination with a body, of a kerf cuttingmechanism including a plane cutter bar and a cutter chain, a. cutter barhead pivotally connecting said cutter bar to said body for pivotalmovement about an axis substantially parallel with the plane of saidoutter bar, a motor driven shaft extending from said body along saidaxis and into said head for driving said cutter chain, a second shaft,said second shaft being carried in said head on an axis parallel withand spaced from the axis of said motor driven shaft, said shafts beinginterconnected, a pinion gear carried by said second shaft, stationarymeans attached to said body for effecting a driving connection betweensaid gear and said body whereby rotation of said second shaft willproduce rotation of said head about its pivotal axis, and means adaptedto stop rotation of" said head in predetermined intersecting planes,said last named means comprising a notched ring having notches spacedsubstantially 45 deter bar, a motor, driving connections between saidmotor and said cutter chain for driving said cutter chain, means forrotating said head about its axis comprising means for effecting animpositive connection between said motor'and said head, and meansoperating automatically to stop rotation of said head in predeterminedpositions, said stop means comprising a notched ring having more thantwo peripheral notches and attached to said head for rotation therewith,a spring-pressed latch carried by said body and adapted to ride on saidring and snap into a notch therein when said latch is opposite saidnotch.

19. In a mining machine, the combination with a body, of a kerf cuttingmechanism including a plane cutter bar and a cutter chain, a cutter barhead pivotally connecting said cutter bar and said body for pivotalmovement about an axis substantially parallel with the plane of saidoutter bar, a motor, driving connections between said motor and saidcutter chain for driving said outter chain, means for rotating said headabout its axis comprising means for effecting an impositive connectionbetween said motor and said head, and means operating automatically tostop rotation of said head in predetermined positions, said stop meanscomprising a notched ring having notches spaced substantially 90 degreesapart and attached to said head for rotation therewith, a spring-pressedlatch carried by said body and adapted to ride on said ring and snapinto a notch therein when said latch is opposite said notch.

20. In a mining machine, the combination with a body, of a kerf cuttingmechanism includin a plane cutter bar and a cutter chain, a cutter barhead pivotally connecting said cutter bar and said body for pivotalmovement about an axis substantially parallel with the plane of saidcutter bar, a motor, driving connections between said motor and saidcutter chain for driving said cutter chain, means for rotating said headabout its axis comprising means for effecting an impositive connectionbetween said motor and said head,. and means operating automatically tostop rotation of said head in predetermined positions, said stop meanscomprising a notched ring having notches spaced substantially 45 degreesapart and attached to said head for rotation therewith, a spring-pressedlatch carried by said body and adapted to ride on said ring and snapinto a notch therein when said latch is opposite said notch.

21. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of amotor mounted thereon, a chain kerf-cutter comprising a cutter bar,mechanism for supporting said cutter bar on said frame for adjustment toany one of a plurality of intersecting planes on a longitudinalforwardly extending axis, means comprising a shaft for driving saidchain kerf-cutter from said motor, mechanism driven from said shaft forrotatably adjusting the cutter bar on said longitudinal axis comprisinga gear rotatable with respect to said frame, and means yieldable uponover-load for selectively holding the gear in fixed relation to saidframe to cause power from said shaft to efiect adjustment of the cutterbar to a selected plane.

22. In a track-mounted mining machine, the combination with a wheeledtruck movable along a trackway, of supporting framework mounted thereon,cutting mechanism comprising a cutter bar having a cutter chain adaptedto cut a kerf in the coal face when the cutter bar is presented edgewisethereto, a motor, mechanism driven by said motor for operating saidcutting mechanism including the driving of said cutter chain and theswinging of said cutter bar in its own plane, supporting connectionsbetween said cutter bar and said supporting framework for permittingadjustment of said cutter bar to various intersecting planes includinghorizontal and vertical planes, mechanism for effecting rotaryadjustment of the cutter bar to such intersecting planes, said mechanismcomprising a gear meshing with a pinion and yieldable and releasablemeans for rotary adjustment of said kerf cutting mechanism on saidlongitudinal axis, means for automatically stopping rotation of saidkerf cutting mechanism in selected intersecting planes degrees apart andmaintaining it locked in any position where it is stopped, and motoroperated mechanism for operating said kerf cutting mechanism in anyadjusted position.

24. In a mining machine, the combination with a support, of a kerfcutting mechanism mounted thereon for adjustment about a longitudinalaxis, power operated mechanism for effecting rotary adjustment of saidkerf cutting mechanism on said longitudinal axis, means forautomatically stopping rotation of said kerf cutting mechanism inselected intersecting planes and maintaining it locked in any positionwhere it is stopped, and motor operated mechanism for operating saidkerf cutting mechanism in any adjusted position.

25. In a mining machine, the combination with a support, of a kerfcutting mechanism mounted thereon for adjustment about a longitudinalaxis, power operated mechanism for effecting rotary adjustment of saidkerf cutting mechanism on said longitudinal axis, means forautomatically stopping rotation of said kerf cutting mechanism inselected intersecting planes 45 degrees apart and maintaining it lockedin any position where it is stopped, and motor operated mechanism foroperating said kerf cutting mechanism in any adjusted position.

26. In'a mining machine, the combination with a support, of a kerfcutting mechanism mounted thereon for adjustment about a longitudinalaxis, means including a friction brake for effecting rotary. adjustmentof said kerf cutting mechanism on said longitudinal axis, means forautomatically stopping rotation of said mechanism in selectedintersecting planes and maintaining it locked in any position where itis stopped, and motor operated mechanism for operating said kerf cuttingmechanism in any adjusted position.

27. In a mining machine, the combination with a body, of a kerf cuttingmechanism including a plane cutter bar and a cutter chain, a cutter barhead for carrying said cutter bar, said head being connected to saidbody for pivotal movement about a longitudinal axis, a motor, drivingconnections between said motor and said cutter chain for driving thelatter, means for rotating said head about its axis comprising afriction brake cooperating with a rotating ring gear which when operatedeffects a driving connection between said motor and said head, and meansop- 'erating automatically to stop rotation of said head in intersectingplanes.

JOHN S. BELTZ. LEWIS E. MITCHELL.

